Short on funds - COME FOR A DAY

- The CanIRON 8 organizing team did its best to offer a high quality conference, yet attempt to keep the registration cost as low as we could.

But we all realize that not everyone can manage to attend the full four days.

Remember that you can purchase a single day admission pass at the registration desk!
This is ideal for those who may not be able to get time off work, have family commitments on this holiday weekend, or are just tight on funds.

A one day pass costs $85 (+ HST)
OABA members get a $10 discount

Here's what is happening - day by day:
Click on this to get a full size copy you can print off

Its not too late to make plans for attending on FRIDAY - when programming runs from 9 am to 9:30 pm. This is by far our most information packed day of CanIRON 8

Hope to see you there!

Getting to CanIRON 8

- We hope you are coming!

Fergus Ontario is just north of the city of Guelph, to the west of Toronto.

The main access highway is Number 6 - which runs straight through town. It also takes you within about four blocks of the Wellington County Sportsplex site.


The 'dirt simple' directions are :
* Get to Highway 6, take it into Fergus.
* Bleyside Ave crosses Highway 6 at on the south side of Fergus. Turn east on to Bleyside.
* The CanIRON 8 site is the Centre Welllington Community Sportsplex, a large complex on your right hand side, about 1 km along Bleyside.
* The main CanIRON 8 grounds are to the rear - follow the banners (and smell of coal smoke!).

If you need more detailed directions, check the information prepared for you on the CanIRON 8 Maps & Directions page.

Hope to see you soon!

Hands On WORKSHOPS

- Remember that CanIRON 8 offers registered members not only the chance to SEE - but also to DO.

HANDS ON WORKSHOPS

This separate area (the red & white tent) has one 'masters' forge plus six additional forge work stations. These stations have a coal forge, anvil and basic set of hand tools.)

1) Three hour long sessions run Thursday afternoon, plus both morning & afternoon of Friday / Saturday, plus Sunday morning.
2) Those interested should already have basic level forge skills as a minimum. Although some basic level tools are available, those wishing to participate are strongly suggested to bring their own personal hand tools. Forge suitable clothing and safety glasses are a requirement.
3) Participants will be chosen by lottery before each session. Names will be drawn from those submitted, to occur after the evening meal, the night before a particular session. Those names will also be posted on the central notice board.
The exception will be Jake Powning's session on Thursday afternoon. Those interested should gather at the Workshop area for the class start at 1:30. The draw will take place at that time.

Of course others will be free to observe these sessions from outside the rope line.


Jake Powning

Thursday : 1:30 - 4:30

Basic Bladesmithing

6 students, intermediate level

Mike McCarthy

Friday : 9 - 12

Laminating for Tool Making

6 students, intermediate level (forge welding experience not required)

Kelly Smyth

Friday : 1:30 - 4:30

Forging Tongs

6 students, basic level

Brian Russell

Saturday : 9 - 12

Gate Elements 1

6 students, intermediate level (different class than Gate 2)

Paul Allen

Saturday : 1:30 - 4:30

Forging an Acanthus Leaf

6 students, basic level, a materials fee may apply

Brian Russell

Sunday : 9 - 12

Gate Elements 2 / Assemble

6 students, intermediate level (different class than Gate 1)


In the evenings (Thurs/Fri/Sat) The SIX work stations will be available for pick up work, inspiration, or just plain messing around. There will be teaching supervision provided in the evenings from 7 - 9 pm only.�

Come see - What is FREE !

Click for the larger version!

the Gallery - See and Be Seen!

The Gallery at CanIRON 8 is one of the best ways to show all your peers and everyone else who attends – INCLUDING the public – just what you’ve been up to and what you can do.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, the original object must be at least five times that!

Remember that with very few exceptions, ALL submissions will be displayed (single items, not multiple of the same item unless they are significantly different in technique or design.) We have a large space, so bring your work and let everyone see what you do!
Unsure? Email me, call me, ask me.elfworks@sympatico.ca

Thinking of bringing something but it isn’t complete yet?
Send me the information you have (name etc.) and number of pieces you think you might bring. Sending me the information beforehand does not mean that you are locked into bringing it.If you bring a different piece that is fine, just so that I get an idea of who is bringing work and I can start the tags!

If your piece fits the criteria for the “Joined by Joints” (work employing mechanical joins which are not welded brazed or soldered) additional category and you want it to be a part of this put it on the card and let me know!

You need to sign your works into the gallery at the beginning so that I know I have the right creator with the right piece and out of the gallery at the end so that I know that the right person is walking away with that piece. If someone else is bringing your work, send me an email or call me and let me know who to expect as the authorized person for the work you are submitting. I will make the process as quick and simple as possible. The in will be made simpler by you having and or/sending the filled out submission card beforehand, and I’ll make the out as simple and quick as possible. Remember that early drop-off could get you media exposure as the media will be being given a walk through after our media kickoff. (This means Thursday by about 11:30am or noon.)

The signing out is important to try to be sure that the right person walks away with your piece. If you’ve sold it during its display and someone else will be picking it up, or you can’t get there to do it and are sending a friend you need to inform the gallery as we will do our best not to release the work to an unauthorized person. As you sign out your work be sure to check for messages – the public and other members will be able to leave you information, questions, requests at the gallery. All messages will be in sealed envelopes for you to pick up. All works must be picked up from the Gallery by 5pm on Sunday, July 31.

Most importantly – BRING YOUR WORK.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have already sent me information about the works they intend to bring, to encourage everyone to bring work and send me information (or questions or concerns), and to thank everyone for their help and support in this huge undertaking.

I hope you all have a great time at the conference and I look forward to seeing you and your work!

For more details, see the Gallery segment of the CanIRON 8 web site.

Kelly Probyn-Smith
Gallery Co-Ordinator

Last Minute DEMONSTRATIONS

- In case you missed the final published schedule (July 12) there were some final additions to fill the last gaps - in what was already a pretty packed demonstration schedule:

DAVID ROBERTSON - Saturday, 9 to 12 AM - 'Beyond the Basics'

David operates Hammer & Tongs, and is widely know via his membership list at artistblacksmith.com. This forge work experience goes back to the early 1980's. He is one of the best known teachers of introductory and intermediate blacksmithing in Ontario. David's demonstration session will be ideal for those who are looking to expand 'beyond the basics', illustrating more complex shaping techniques for those who have gotten serious about their blacksmithing hobby and want to progress to the next level.


MICHAEL MCCARTHY - Thursday, 8 to 9:30 PM - 'A Sculpted Head'

Mike is one of our featured demonstrators. He has offered to present an additional short session at CanIRON 8. He will be demonstrating how three dimensional punching can be used to create a specific decorative terminal, a sculpted face / head. He says the form 'looks like an old man's face to start, then you fold it over and it looks like a human head from one angle, and almost like a horses head from another.' Of certain to be of interest to those who like to work with punch work techniques.

DAVE KRITZ - Thursday, 8 to 9:30 PM - 'Copper Leaves'

Dave is a local Ontario smith. He often demonstrates to the general public, but this will be his first major to fellow blacksmiths. Dave has developed some cold working techniques using copper tubing and sheet. He will be illustrating these methods - which can make nice additions to your smaller forged projects.

ROBERT WAGNER - Sunday, 9 - 12 AM - 'the Historic Forge'

Robert will be undertaking a display and demonstration of his War of 1812 styled portable charcoal forge. This is part of our free public outreach programming. Come take a look and where blacksmithing in Ontario started - and how far we have come.


Only FIVE more days!

A look at the GROUNDS

So this is a rough to scale layout of the Sportsplex grounds - and how CanIRON 8 will be set up.

On this diagram, NORTH is the BOTTOM. The access into the complex is from the bottom of this drawing off Belyside.

Our registration desk is in the center of the Sportsplex building. There is ample parking out front, so park and come in side to sort your membership.
From there, those camping can drive back behind the building via the access roads shown on the map to either the tree covered (for tents) or open area (for RV's or tents). There are plenty of available spaces, the allocation is 'first come - first pick'.
Those staying off site, or just have day admissions (or even just watching the free public aspects) should park to the REAR of the main building.

Camping & Alternative Food

Alternative Food ?


Check Local Information - the CanIRON 8 site is mere blocks away from:

• Downtown Fergus - with pubs and a variety of sit down restaurants.

• Fast Food Strip - along highway 6 (you will drive past on your way north to the CanIRON 8 site)

• OABA is providing complimentary water and coffee. A re-useable cup or water bottle is included with your membership package - or bring your own (please!).

• Cold drinks and muffins will be available at the OABA Hospitality area.

Note that there are no other food services offered directly
on site. (Other than the Meal Plan described above.)

Camping ?

• There are TWO areas available for camping right on the CanIRON
8 grounds:

- An open field area, adjacent to the CanIRON grounds, designed for RV's or trailers (with tent use as
well). These spaces are about 20 x 40 feet, and have possible electric
and cold water hook ups. There are no direct waste hook ups, but there
is a waste dump station on site.

'Sharing' limit is one vehicle and no more than three tents.

- A forested area, set back at the rear of the Sportsplex grounds, designed for tent use only. These spaces are about 20 x 30, with only limited electric and water points
(no direct hook ups).

'Sharing' limit is one vehicle and no more than two tents.

• There are flush toilets and showers available in a building set between these two camping areas.

There are also bathrooms and showers available inside the Sportsplex building (just beside the Gallery).

• Remember that there is a POOL inside the Sportsplex, open daily for
public swim - Details

The CanIRON 8 team has also prepared a list of area hotels, motels,
B & B, and camp grounds. DOWNLOAD as a PDF

VARIOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST

A list of helpful notes compiled by our Registrar - Shirley Young

1. Lost Badges: Can be replaced at the registration desk with proper ID. Cost $5.00.

2. For assistance look for a volunteer wearing a maroon CanIron VIII T’shirt.

3. A limited supply of Conference T-shirts, caps and bucket hats can be purchased in the registration area.

4. There will be a Registration List posted in the registration area.

5. Tourist Information is included in registrant swag bags. Extra info is available at the tourism office in Fergus.

6. SAFETY FIRST – Be sure you are alert when near any of the demonstration tents. You MUST be wearing your SAFETY GLASSES when entering a demo tent otherwise you will be asked to leave. Safety glasses and earplugs are included in the registrant swag bags – please use them. Extras can be purchased at the registration area.

7. CELL PHONES - Please be considerate of others and have your cell phone off or in vibrate mode when in a seminar, demonstration area and/or workshop. As a courtesy to other attendees please move away from these areas to make and receive calls.

8. Iron-in-the-Hat draws will take place Friday and Saturday between 1:15-1:30 pm. Special Draw on Sunday at 1:15 pm.

9. Names will be drawn for the morning workshops the previous evening after dinner and for afternoon and evening workshops before lunch that day. The names will be announced as drawn and a list will be posted at the workshop tent.
Separate jars along with note pads for you to write your name for each workshop you are interested in will be available at the Hospitality Tent in the restricted area.

10. We are trying to be “green” so ask that you bring and use your own water bottles and travel mugs. Water coolers will be available in the tents to refill bottles and coffee will be available in the Hospitality Tent. There will be bottled water and pop in coolers in the Hospitality Tent at a cost of $1.00 each.

Remember a swim suit!

Did you know...
that the Wellington County Sportsplex, site of CanIRON 8, has a POOL on site?

Yup!

Public access hours are 2 - 4 pm each day, with an additional time on Friday only from 6 - 7:30 pm.

This is a 25 m pool, with a separate kids area with water slide and such. There is also a separate warm temperature (90 F) leisure pool PLUS a whirlpool bath.

There are also evening sessions for swimming lanes (six total) if you want to get into the water at the end of the day.

All this for $4.25 per session! (less for kids and seniors).

Beat that!

Remember for those camping at CanIRON 8, there is one set of showers and flush toilets between the open and tree covered camping areas, plus another set of these inside off our Cafeteria / Gallery areas.

Latest SCHEDULE

Conference Schedule
July 13 2011
Note some additions and changes (italics).

Feature Demonstration	Feature Lecture	Hands on Workshop	Public Outreach
Secondary Demonstration	Secondary Lecture / Panel	Other Activities	Logistics

	Time	Area	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY	MONDAY
			July 28	July 29	July 30	July 31	August 1
MORNING	9 - 12		Registration Opens				Packing Down
		Gallery	Work Accepted	Members Only	Members Only	Members Only
		Public Demo	Iron Smelt	OABA Project	OABA Project	Historic Forge
		Demo A		Paul Allen Scrollwork for Acanthus Leaf	David Robertson Beyond Basics	Sandra Dunn Assembling - Chair
		Demo B		Jesus Hernandez Bloom to Bar	Kelly Smyth 'Chains Over Time'	Jake Powning Bronze Casting
		Hands On		Mike McCarthy Basic Toolmaking	Brian Russell Gate Elements	Brian Russell Assembling Gate
	(9 - 10:30)	Conference		Panel : Business of Blacksmithing	Workshop : Design Tricks Darrell Markewitz	Contributed video
	(10:30 - 12)	Conference		Smithing Science Kevin Peffers		Workshop : Working the Web David Robertson
LUNCH	(12 - 1:30 )			Meal Plan	Meal Plan	Meal Plan	Site Closes
	12:30 - 1:30	Gallery		Using the INTENET Neil Peterson	Mike McCarthy 19th C Blacksmiths	currently open
	12:45 - 1:30	Caffeteria		Sandra Dunn Design from History	Jesus Hernandez Japanese Bladesmithing	currently open
AFTERNOON	1:30 - 4:30		Opening Ceremonies			Official Closing
		Gallery	Work Accepted	Public Access 'Meet the Artist'	Public Access 'Meet the Artist'	Remove Work
		Public Demo	Iron Smelt	Major Project	Major Project
		Demo A	Paul Allen Forging a Flower	Brian Russell Gate Elements	Sandra Dunn Joinery Elements
		Demo B	Mark Puigmarti Sculpting Mass 1	Mark Puigmarti Sculpting Mass 2	Jake Powning Pattern Welding
		Hands On	Jake Powning Basic Bladesmithing	Kelly Smyth Making Tongs	Paul Allen Making Acanthus Leaf	Forging Competition (public)
	(1:30 - 3 )	Conference		Panel : 'How to CanIRON'	Panel : 'Women of Steel'
	(3 - 4:30 )	Conference	Panel : Canadian Artist Blacksmiths ??	Contributed Video	Contributed video
DINNER	( 5 - 6:30 )		Opening BBQ	Meal Plan	Thank Yous Meal Plan	Equipment Pack-Up
EVENING	7 - 8	Caffeteria	Meet Demonstrators	Brian Russell Portfolio	Auction (public) 6:30 - 9
	7 - 8	Gallery		(possibly open)
	8 - 9	Caffeteria	Paul Allen Portfolio	Jake Powning Design from the Ancients	Auction (continues)
	8 - 9	Gallery	Mark Puigmarti Portfolio	Kelly Smyth Nautical Blacksmithing
	(6:30 - 9:30)	Demo A	8 - 9:30 Mike McCarthy Sculpted Head	Mike McCarthy Pipe Tomahawk
	(6:30 - 9:30)	Demo B	8-9:30 Dave Kritz Copper Leaves	Jesus Hernandez Japanese Bladesmithing
	( 6 - 10)	Hands On	Open Forge	Open Forge	Open Forge

Details of Specific Sessions:

FEATURE DEMONSTRATIONS - There will be two main areas equipped for your featured demonstrators. Details below by individual demonstrator :

Paul Allen
Thursday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo A	'Forging a Flower'	A "three dimensional flower with fire welded stem and leaves made using pure forgework techniques”.
Friday	9 - 12	Demo A	'Scrolls for Acanthus Leaves'	Illustrating making the scrollwork for mounting an acanthus leaf. (This will be a preamble to his workshop session.)
Dark Ages Recreation Company
Thursday	9 - 5	Public demo	Iron Smelt	Ongoing all day Thursday as you arrive, DARC will demonstrate the easy to build 'Econo-Norse' iron smelting furnace. Expect the bloom to be extracted about 5 pm!
Sandra Dunn
Saturday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo A	'Joinery Elements'	Forging basic elements for a chair combining wood and steel.
Sunday	9 - 12	Demo A	'Assemble a Chair'	Completion of the chair project, assembling the individual elements.
Jesus Hernandez
Friday	9 - 12	Demo B	'Bloom to Blade'	Illustrating the process of converting a raw iron bloom into a working bar, preparatory to forging a blade. This all done utilizing tools and methods from the Japanese working traditions.
Friday	6:30 - 9:30	Demo B	'Japanese Bladesmithing'	Completing the bar to blade process, including showing the process of clay coating and quenching.
Mike McCarthy
Friday	6:30 - 9:30	Demo A	'Pipe Tomahawk'	Forging a late 1700's style pipe tomahawk.
Jake Powning
Saturday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo B	'Pattern Welding'	Illustrating some of the steps that go into the creation of a composite pattern welded sword billet.
Sunday	9 - 12	Demo B	'Bronze Casting'	Showing the process making bronze decorative fittings, from carving the wax to gravity poured casting & finishing.
Mark Puigmarti
Thursday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo B	'Sculpting Mass 1'	The demonstration will focus on hand forging larger stock using simple tools. While creating components for a free form sculptural piece he will explore the possibilities of design, and describe his approach to working.
Friday	1:30 - 4:30	Demo B	'Sculpting Mass 2'	Expanding and continuing working processes with larger stock and hand tools.
David Robertson
Saturday	9 - 12	Demo A	to be determined
Brian Russell
Friday	9 - 12	Demo A	'Gate Elements'	Brian will undertake the making of a simple gate for CanIRON VIII. This demonstration session will be followed up by two hands on worshops.
Kelly Smyth
Saturday	9 - 12	Demo B	'Chains over Time'	Showing her distinctive "Chains Over Time" motif. " This is an example of how using a traditional technique found in heavy ships' hardware that with a slight turn becomes delightful & useful where only the practical existed.

HANDS ON WORKSHOPS - This separate area has one 'masters' forge plus six additional forge work stations.

1)Three hour long sessions run Thursday afternoon, plus both morning & afternoon of Friday / Saturday, plus Sunday morning.
2) Those interested should already have basic level forge skills as a minimum. Although some basic level tools are available, those wishing to participate are strongly suggested to bring their own personal hand tools. Forge suitable clothing and safety glasses are a requirement.
3) Participants will be chosen by lottery before each session. Names will be drawn from those submitted, to occur after the evening meal, the night before a particular session. Those names will also be posted on the central notice board.

Of course others will be free to observe these sessions from outside the rope line.

Paul Allen	Saturday	1:30 - 4:30	Forging an Acanthus Leaf	6 students, basic level, a materials fee may apply
Mike McCarthy	Friday	9 - 12	Laminating for Tool Making	6 students, intermediate level (forge welding experience not required)
Brian Russell	Saturday	9 - 12	Gate Elements 1	6 students, intermediate level (different class than Gate 2)
	Sunday	9 - 12	Gate Elements 2 / Assemble	6 students, intermediate level (different class than Gate 1)
Kelly Smyth	Friday	1:30 - 4:30	Forging Tongs	6 students, basic level

In the evenings (Thurs/Fri/Sat) The SIX work stations will be available for pick up work, inspiration, or just plain messing around. There will be teaching supervision provided in the evenings from 7 - 9 pm only.

FEATURE LECTURES - Sessions by our feature demonstrators, offered in either the Caffeteria or the Gallery presentation spaces :

All	Thursday	Caffeteria	7 - 8	'Meet the Demonstrators' / Panel
Paul Allen	Thursday	Caffeteria	8 - 9	Portfolio
Sandra Dunn	Friday	Caffeteria	12:45 - 1:30	'Designing from History' / the chair project
Jesus Hernandez	Saturday	Caffeteria	12:45 - 1:30	'Japanese Bladesmithing'
Mike McCarthy	Saturday	Gallery	12:45 - 1:30	'19th Century Blacksmiths'
Jake Powning	Friday	Caffeteria	8 - 9	'Design from the Ancients'
Mark Puigmarti	Thursday	Gallery	8 - 9	Portfolio
Brian Russell	Friday	Caffeteria	7 - 8	Portfolio
Kelly Smyth	Friday	Gallery	8 - 9	Nautical Blacksmithing

SECONDARY PROGRAMING - Sessions of general interest, offered by both blacksmiths and those outside our regular community.

Note - at this time there are still some empty slots still to be filled!

'How to CanIRON'	Panel	Thursday	Conference	1:30 - 3	A bull session with current and past CanIRON organizers, discussing what works - and what doesn't.
'Canadian Artist Blacksmiths ?'	Panel	Thursday	Conference	3 - 4:30	An open session to discuss the possible development of a Canadian National organization.
'Business of Blacksmithing;	Panel	Friday	Conference	9 - 10:30	An open session to network and discuss working at Blacksmithing (as a living?). Come share tips and problems.
'Smithing Science'	Kevin Peffers	Friday	Conference	10:30 - 12	An overview of how basic physics and material sciences applies to the practical shaping of metals in the forge.
'Using the Internet'	Neil Peterson	Friday	Gallery	12:45 - 1:30	A beginer's introduction to the internet, e-mail and web sites, for fun and profit (?)
'Design Tricks'	Darrell Markewitz	Saturday	Conference	9 - 10:30	Can't draw? There are tricks you can use to develop your ideas and get them down on to paper. A practical working session.
"Women of Steel'	Panel	Saturday	Conference	1:30 - 3	Women often face different problems when it comes to male dominated blacksmithing - an open bull session hosted by Kelly Smyth.
"Working the Internet'	David Robertson	Sunday	Conference	10:30 - 12	How can you use the internet to promote your work as a blacksmith? A general discussion and working session to look at what works - and what doesn't.

FORGING COMPETITION - Love it or hate it, forging competitions done on the spot between teams of participants are always a big part of any gathering of Blacksmiths! Our hope is to allow the general public to be able to observe the goings on 'from behind the ropes'. This event will take place in the Hands On area on Sunday afternoon.

AUCTION - In keeping with our mission to inform and involve the public in selected aspects of CANIRON, we are hoping to open up participation in the fund raising auction to those with fatter wallets! The Auction is scheduled for Saturday evening.

GALLERY - The best way to inform the public to what we REALLY do is to allow them access to the Gallery. Bring your best and most inspiring work, make sure you include a stack of business cards. The layout of the site at the Fergus Sportsplex is ideal in terms of both layout and large size. Security and close supervision will be provided for all the work.

OPENING BBQ SOCIAL - All registared participants are invited to join in for an informal BBQ on a Bun dinner on Thursday - hosted by OABA. (Included with your paid registration.) Come meet the other conference members!

PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS - A special area is being set aside, accessable to the general public, to illustrate just what Blacksmithing is all about:
Thursday - A demonstration of bloomery furnace iron smelting by members of the Dark Ages Re-creation Company.
Friday & Saturday - Work on creation of a larger artwork project, undertaken by OABA members under the direction of Dave McCord.
Sunday - 'Hammer in' style work by members of OABA, bring your protable forges!